United News Weekly
GCE webcast information, Feast registration details and training opportunity for UYC!
General Conference of Elders and Council Meetings Next Week
As a follow-up to the video presentation that was sent on Thursday, I wanted to share some important news related to the upcoming General Conference of Elders and Council of Elders meetings.
Beginning today, elders and their wives from around the world will be gathering in Cincinnati for the General Conference of Elders, followed immediately by the Council of Elders meeting. There are many matters to consider, many decisions to make and many opportunities for fellowship, reflection and planning. These meetings play an important role in helping us move forward together in an orderly and unified way as we seek to fulfill the work God has given His Church.
Enhancing Ministerial Skills
This year’s General Conference theme is “Enhancing Ministerial Skills.” That focus is timely and appropriate. In every age, God’s servants need to keep growing—in wisdom, in effectiveness and in the practical skills that help them better serve His people. We will have our regular balloting for Council members, as well as balloting related to the ratification of the new Strategic plan and the accompanying Operating and Financial Plan. In addition, elders will be considering a proposed bylaw amendment related to conflicts of interest. These are important matters, and I ask for your prayers that all of this will be handled wisely, carefully and in a spirit of humility.
This year’s conference also includes several items of special interest. Michael Wilkinson, whom some may remember from his earlier interaction with the General Conference, will address the elders on the subjects of leadership, building trust and addressing disagreements. These are areas that are always important in the Church and especially valuable in a time when the world around us is filled with division, suspicion and conflict. Mr. Wilkinson spoke to the General Conference in 2008 and helped facilitate the discussions which produced the 2026-2029 strategic planning. He is renowned professional facilitator based in the Atlanta area. In addition, a number of workshops are planned on practical subjects such as sharpening expository preaching, developing interactive Bible studies and the use of artificial intelligence tools. Each of these topics touch on how the ministry can better serve the church and be prepared for the challenges ahead.
Upcoming Council of Elders Meetings
Immediately after the General Conference concludes, the Council of Elders will begin its regular three-day meeting. Along with the regular reports that come before the Council, there are several matters of note this year. We will be discussing with President John Elliott the completion of his first year in office, reviewing what has been accomplished and looking ahead to what still needs to be done. Our treasurer will also lead discussions related to investment and reserve policies. In addition, the Council will spend time on several doctrinal matters, including one related to Pentecost. And because my two-year term as chairman concludes this May, along with Rex Sexton’s term as deputy chairman, the Council will also ballot for a new chairman and deputy chairman. The first day of the Council meeting will be held in the Holiday Inn and, as is our tradition, we welcome church members to join us. There will be extra room for the morning sessions.
These meetings are important, but they are never merely organizational. For all the planning, reports and decisions, we must always remember that this is God’s Church with Jesus Christ as the living head of the Church. Our calling is look to Christ to lead His Church and carry out His purpose. That means we must continually seek His will, not merely our own preferences. It means asking God to guide discussions, shape decisions and give us the right spirit in all that we do. So I would ask all of you to pray not only for the success of the meetings themselves, but also for the safety of all who will be traveling and for God’s hand to be evident in every aspect of the week ahead.
The Same Gospel, Everywhere
As I shared in my video, I was reminded of this very deeply during my trip to West Africa last week. I had the opportunity to be with brethren in Togo for the Last Day of Unleavened Bread and then to travel on to Benin and Côte d’Ivoire. It was an encouraging trip, even though the economic realities in those countries are very difficult. In one remote area of Côte d’Ivoire, not far from the borders of Mali, Liberia and Guinea, the conditions of daily life are dramatically different from those in North America, Europe or Australia. Yet the message of the gospel is exactly the same. The same hope, the same calling, the same grace of God and the same need for repentance and change apply there just as much as anywhere else.
During that trip, I spoke with people about the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the grace we have received through Him and the need to walk worthy of our calling. It was especially moving to witness 16 new people respond to God’s calling through baptism. Those new brothers and sisters now begin life as a new creation in Christ, and it was a powerful reminder that God is calling people in many parts of the world and drawing them into His family.
That experience reinforces an important truth for all of us: this work is much bigger than any one of us. Jesus Christ said in Matthew 24:14 that this gospel of the Kingdom would be preached in all the world as a witness to all nations, and then the end would come. We have been called to take part in something much larger than ourselves. Each of us carries the hope of our calling and each of us has a part to play in responding to what God desires us to contribute to His purpose.
So as these meetings approach, let us all remain mindful of the greater purpose before us. Thank you for your prayers, your service and your faithfulness. Let us continue together in the good fight of faith.
Tim Pebworth
Chairman, Council of Elders
GCE Sabbath Webcast
This is a reminder that the GCE Sabbath weekend is May 2 and Church services will be webcast live at 2:00 p.m. EDT from Cincinnati, OH.
The website for both congregations and individual members (not able to attend services) can be accessed from the main webcast page at ucg.org/watch/webcast
An archived file will be available within an hour after services at this link: ucg.org/webcast/sabbath-webcast-cincinnati-may-2-2026-2-pm-eastern-general-conference-elders-meeting
For Members Without Internet Access
Call: 508-924-1634
NO access code needed.
Watch in the Beyond Today App
The GCE webcast will appear in the “Featured” section of the Beyond Today app when you open it on Saturday, May 2, 2026.
Feast of Tabernacles
Feast Registration
All Feast sites are open (unless they have already reached capacity). Please visit feast.ucg.org and register for the Feast site you plan to attend if you have not already done so. Please note, there is a separate link to sign up for a Satellite Site, if you are unable to travel to the closest regular site. If you are unable to attend the Feast in person, please register on the page for Unable to Attend.
Housing Reservations
Each individual Feast website displays a “Housing Info” link for discounted rates.
You will also notice that each United States Feast site has a printable “Fact Sheet” available online. Members can easily print these for information tables or share a physical copy with members who don’t have internet access.
Questions can be emailed to Festival@ucg.org or call (970) 484-5878.
United Youth Camps
Opportunity for Red Cross Lifeguard Certification in Illinois
Most of our United Youth Camps need certified lifeguards! We have an opportunity for you to get a lifeguard certification (or recertification) without conflicting with the Sabbath, which is hard to find at most facilities. All classes will take place in Peoria, Illinois.
This summer, Kira Olar is offering three different dates for new certifications. You must attend all three days and pass all requirements during one of the below sessions:
- May 18–20
- May 27–29
- June 24–26 (may move up one day to June 23-25)
She is also offering three different lifeguard recertification classes. You only have to attend one of these:
- May 17, 8 a.m.–6 p.m. (backup location: YWCA in Pekin, Illinois)
- May 22, 7 a.m.–5 p.m.
- June 26, 7 a.m.–5 p.m.
If you are interested in this opportunity and would like more details, please contact Kira Olar at barrkira7@gmail.com or 515-776-8445.
